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Billy “Bob” Cannon was born in Munday, Texas, on Feb. 1, 1932, to Herman Lee Cannon and Georgia Bell Roden Cannon. His only sister, Sheron Cannon DeBerry, was added to their family nine years later while the Cannon family moved from Texas and finally settled in Phoenix, Arizona where Bob graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1949.
Bob attended University of Arizona while on a football scholarship in 1949. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Mae Johnson, in 1950.
The Korean War came along and Bob joined the Air Force in 1951 in which he served four years with 19 months over in France and Germany. In France, he felt called to the ministry and when he arrived back home he was stationed in Moses Lake, Washington, where he began his ministry after being discharged in 1955.
He did finally graduate with his B.A. From Pepperdine University in 1966 and continued on his thirst for knowledge throughout his life.
Pastor Bob ministered in Washington, Texas, California, South Africa, and Arizona over the course of his 61 years of ministry. His passion for missions never ceased nor did his church planting. He was a man after God’s own heart!
Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Cannon residing in Oracle, Arizona: his six children, Debbie Cannon residing in Tucson, Arizona; Craig Cannon residing in Fayetteville, Arkansas; Brenda Abbott residing in Tucson, Arizona; Deanna Suchanek and her husband Mark Suchanek residing in McKinleyville, California; Brad Cannon residing in Hidden Valley Lake, California; and, Brent Cannon and his wife Michelle Cannon residing in Mesa, Arizona. Bob is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Melissa Vucijevic and her husband Mladin Vucijevic, Ashley Daws and her husband Craig Daws, Rachel Cannon, Nichole Abbott, Sherry Abbott, Kristy McDonald and her husband Kevin McDonald, Joey Abbott, Andrew Suchanek and his wife Brandy Suchanek, Aaron Suchanek, Brooke Joseph and her husband Caleb Joseph, Blake Cannon, Brady Cannon, and Bryce Cannon. He is survived by seventeen great-grandchildren and one on the way: Oliver Vucijevic, Owen Daws, Shepard Daws, Haley Nast, Sydney Morehouse, Lindsay McDaniel, Kora Clevenger and her husband Laramie Clevenger, Eiolas Callahan, Piper Callahan, Draven Callahan, Troy McDonald, Lauren McDonald, Molly McDonald, Shannon McDonald, Bridget McDonald, Lydia Abbott, Walker Joseph, and Harrison Suchanek due in April. Bob is survived by his sister, Sheron DeBerry and husband Ted DeBerry, nephews Thad Deberry and his wife Kathy DeBerry and their children, Clint DeBerry, and numerous cousins. Bob is predeceased by his parents, Herman and Georgia Cannon and mother-in-law Miriam Johnson.
Bob passed away on Dec. 5, 2016 at Mom and Dad’s Place in Catalina with his family by his side singing his favorite hymns. Bob had suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for the last ten years and the last two were spent in Care Homes. He recently suffered a stroke and congestive heart failure. The family wants to thank his church family at Living Word Chapel, Oshyn Hospice staff (Dr. Kathy, Dorothy, Cindy, Denise, Jennifer, and Chaplain Ken), staff at Sedona Gardens in Tucson, and especially the wonderful staff and owners Miguel and Maria, at Mom and Dad’s Place, in Catalina for such great care for Bob and his family in his last days.
The Funeral Service was held Saturday, December 10, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Living Word Chapel, 3941 W. Hwy 77, Oracle, Arizona, with Pastor James Ruiz presiding. The Viewing was held prior to the service. Graveside services with military honors were held at Oracle Cemetery and refreshments followed at Living Word Chapel. Flowers may be sent to Adair Funeral Home, 8090 N. Northern Avenue, Oro Valley, Arizona 85704 or Living Word Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Living Word Chapel Children ‘s Ministry, Wounded Warriors, Parkinson’s Disease Research, and/or Hospice.
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